HUGHES HAS A BIG POOL IF HE HEADS FOR DIP

Bolstered Comrades will remain competitive

secure our status then aim to go higher from there.” Saturday saw Ballyclare maintain their unbeaten start to the league campaign with a remarkable turnaround at Tillysburn Park, coming from three goals down to win 4-3 at H&W Welders.

“The players have belief in themselves and that was crucial on Saturday,” added Hughes.

“It was a similar story to Loughgall a few weeks ago when we started poorly and were behind going into the closing minutes before two late goals won us the game.

“We gifted them two goals in the opening five minutes and were caught napping.

“Then we conceded another just after the half-hour mark through more poor defending.

“The truth is we were probably let off the hook by being able to grab two goals back before the break and that gave us all the momentum to go into the second half with our tails up.

“Nobody panicked against the Welders and we were confident that if we kept playing our own game then that quality would come through.” Hughes returned to the Dixon Park hot-seat this summer with his new backroom staff including Comrades legend Jamsie Kirk, who had spent reason seasons at PSNI.

“I’ve completed my A Licence and have come back a better manager with more knowledge,” Hughes noted.

“I’m really happy with the backroom staff at the club and we believe they complement each other really well and know how to make this club successful.

“Our job is to make sure the squad is equipped for the challenges ahead and ready for every game.”